Hayward medallist leaves Bulldogs

Bunbury Football Club has been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2015 South West Football League season, with captain Jesse Gribble and at least four former WAFL players quitting the club.

The dual-Hayward medal winner has signed with Peel Football League club Halls Head, along with key position player Jordan Adamson-Holmes and SWFL 2014 leading goal kicker Marc Re.

The club also confirmed it had lost former Subiaco captain and premiership defender Aidan Parker as well as Sam Miles, with both heading back to Perth to begin coaching careers.

Gribble leaves the side just months after winning the SWFL's highest individual honour and taking his side to a preliminary final where they were bundled out by eventual premiers, the Eaton Boomers.

The loss of Parker, Adamson-Holmes and Re will also put a big dent in the Bulldogs' scoring power after they combined for 149 goals last year.

Gribble said he was looking for a fresh start when he decided to sign for Halls Head.

"The club (Bunbury) was going in a different direction than I thought it was," he said. "I am chasing a premiership and it's good to have Jordy (Adamson-Holmes) and Marc with us.

"I will be back (to Bunbury) in the future."

Bunbury Football Club president Tom Busher said Gribble and the club parted on good terms.

"We expect to see him back at the club in the not too distant future," he said.

"We need to replace him, but within reason."

Busher said the club knew Adamson-Holmes and Re were speaking with Halls Head, but was yet to receive any paperwork about a clearance.

Gribble's family has a long history with the club, with his father Kelvin a former player and administrator.

His brother Trent will also not play this year, with club officials confirming he will spend the year travelling with his partner.

Busher said the club was still in a strong position with its personnel.

"I think last year we had about 10 guys make their league debut, so we need to make sure they get an opportunity," he said.

"We had a terrific colts team who won the grand final, so we have some good players coming from that as well."

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